Uber is developing autonomous technology for scooters and bikes

Imagine, bikes and scooters that drive themselves

Why it matters: Lowering costs is a key metric of any successful business. For Uber and its micromobility division, reducing the human workforce through autonomy will play a big part in reaching that goal.

Uber is hiring for a new division tasked with developing autonomous drive technology for scooters and bikes. The idea is to have a fleet of personal mobility vehicles that can drive themselves around cities to reach charging spots or locations where customer demand is high.

Imagine yielding at a crosswalk to a scooter zipping along without a rider. What a strange time we live in.

As odd of a visual as it is, autonomy makes a lot of sense. Some rideshare operators hire third-party contractors to collect depleted bikes and scooters at night, recharge them and redistribute them around a city. Others have full-time employees to perform the tasks. Either way, it’s a significant financial strain. Eliminating or greatly reducing the human workforce needed to support these operations could go a long way in increasing the division’s profits.